CAN Speaks On Release Of Zainab Aliyu, Leah Sharibu

The Northern state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the news of the Federal government securing the release of the Nigerian lady that was wrongly detained in Saudi Arabia for trafficking , Zainab Aliyu.

Naija News reports that CAN registered its reactions after the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government secured the release of Zainab on Tuesday.

CAN reacted via a statement released by its public relations officer, Rev. Joseph Hayab, that said the Christian body while celebrating Zainab’s release, expressed concerns over the continued detention of Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi school girl still in Boko Haram captivity since her abduction with 109 of her school mates in February 2018.

Reverend Hayab in the statement, said he rejoices with the family of Zainab Aliyu over her safe return but went further to ask if some Nigerians are more important than others since the Federal government was fast in ensuring the safe return of Zainab.

The statement read in part:

“CAN Northern states rejoices with the parents of Zainab Aliyu and the government of our country for securing her release after she was arrested and detained in Saudi Arabia for allegations of drug trafficking.

It is sad that many innocent Nigerians are suffering for a crime they know nothing about. This prompt effort by government is commendable and should be sustained for all and in the future, because this is what we want to see from our leaders in this country.

But as we rejoice about this development, we are also compelled to ask this important question: Are all Nigerians equal or some are more equal than others?

We are aware that many innocent citizens of our country have been arrested, some killed and others are still in detention; but we have not heard any directives from Mr. President to his Attorney General to take action about them with this kind of urgency.

If we want our citizens to be proud of their government and country, then we need to show equal concern about what happens to everyone in this country. We cannot also celebrate the release of Zainab and forget Leah Sharibu who did not commit any crime but has been in captivity for over a year now.

We, therefore, appeal to President Buhari to direct his security agencies to double their efforts and get Leah released and reunited with her parents. Leah, too, wants to enjoy the protection of her leaders.”

CAN’s reactions and questions are coming after the President has reiterated that no part of the country would suffer neglect in his administration.

The president said that regardless of its geographical location or political leaning, no citizen of the country would ‘henceforth’ suffer neglect.

Naija News recalls that the President’s vow seems to be in line with the mandate he gave in 2015 when he assured that he ‘belongs to everybody and belongs to nobody.’